HPR and Blue Note Hawaii announce a new radio series to showcase local music talent on HPR-1. Hawai?i Public Radio Presents Blue Note: Virtually Live features performances recorded live on the Blue Note Hawaii stage, along with backstage interviews with the artists. The show is hosted by Marco Olivari, General Manager at Blue Note Hawaii.
The series will run through the end of August, airing Saturdays at 6 p.m. on HPR-1. Each airing of Hawai?i Public Radio Presents Blue Note: Virtually Live will be followed by the second hour of American Routes.
May 30 - Henry Kapono
Henry Kapono & his band celebrate the timeless classics of the legendary duo Cecilio & Kapono (C&K). The performance includes beloved songs from Henry’s career such as "Friends," "Good Times Together," “Highway in the Sun," and “Home," which have become anthems for the people of Hawai?i.
June 6 - Tavana
Tavana is a one man band who uses his feet to lay down a variety of grooves to accompany his soulful, island-inspired rock and blues.
June 13 - The Mana Music String Quartet featuring Josh Nakazawa & Jake Shimabukuro
The Mana Music String Quartet features cellist Joshua Nakazawa and special guest Jake Shimabukuro. The quartet will debut new musical arrangements of Queen Lili?uokalani’s compositions, and accompany Jake Shimabukuro as they create an orchestral landscape on a few of his original songs.
June 20 - Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro can still vividly remember the first time he held a ukulele at age four when his mother gave him his first ukulele lesson. It was an encounter that would shape his destiny and give the world one of the most exceptional and innovative uke players in the history of the instrument—an artist who has drawn comparisons to musical titans such as Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis.
A husband and father of two, Jake balances his stellar career with family life and community service. He travels to schools around the world spreading positive messages to young people, encouraging them to live drug free and find their passion—just as he did at age four when his mother gave him his first ukulele lesson. In the time since then, he has played a key role in the current revival of interest in the ukulele.
June 27 - John Cruz
Hawaiian singer-songwriter John Cruz brings rich storytelling to Blue Note Hawaii’s stage through songs ranging from Hawaiian to blues, folk, R&B and more. Cruz is both a Grammy and N? H?k? Hanohano award winner, beloved for his captivating guitar playing, soulful vocals and compassionate, genuine heart.
July 4 - The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific
This week we are featuring the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, comprised of 8 active duty Airmen musicians who are stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam. Normally during this time of year, the Band of the Pacific is on tour performing live shows for embassies and international audiences all throughout their 36 country touring region. This year, due to COVID, they are bringing the Independence Day celebration to your living room!
July 11 - Kapena
Established in 1985, Kapena has been playing its electrifying style of island contemporary music for 35 years. Original band member Kelly Boy De Lima is now joined by his three children, for a fresh sound that will delight diehard fans as well as a new generation of listeners.
July 18 - Taimane
Ukulele virtuoso and award-winning entertainer Taimane performs her first full-production concert in six months. When the 2019 N? H?k? Hanohano Entertainer of the Year takes the stage at Blue Note Hawaii, she will showcase new material and a new sound featuring Taimane and her revamped quartet.
July 25 - Jeff Peterson
Jeff Peterson brings a performance featuring traditional and original music on slack key guitar and ‘ukulele. His show includes some brand new music, plus slack key jazz, and music from his travels around the world.
August 1 - Mike Love & the Full Circle
Mike Love & The Full Circle share songs whose conscious and socially pertinent music will both uplift and inspire in these chaotic times.
August 8 - Beat-lele
Beat-Lele is the musical group combining the timeless music of The Beatles with the familiar sounds of ukulele and the cajon. Their performance celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the iconic album “Let it Be.”
August 15 - Amy Hanaiali?i
Amy H?naiali’i is one Hawai’i’s top-selling female vocalists.
